Book-sewing machine



Feb. 12 1924. 11,483,521

W. E. REAVIS ET A).

BooK SEWING MAGHINE,

Filled Aprila. 1920 7.sneqts-sheet v1 w. E. R`EAv|s ET Al. BOOK SEWING MACHINE Feb, 12 1924. I 1,483,521

Filed Apri1`5, 1920 7 Sheets-Sheet .5

(2y zLina/wf $1777.57. Ag# M Feb. 12 1924. 1,483,521

w. E. REAvls ET Al. l

BOOK SEWING MACHINE Fuga Apri; 5, 1920 7 sheets-sheet 4 Z /qf/ Feb. 12 1924.

w. E'. REAvls ET Al.

BOOK SEWING MACHINE Filed April 5l, 1920 'I sheets-sheet s Ldo/- Feb. 1 2 1924. 1,483,521

W. E. REAVIS E T AL BOOK SEWING MACHINE Filed April a', :1920 '7 sheets-sheet e Feb. "'12 1924. 1,483,521

w. EUREAVIs ET A l. I

BooK SEWING MACHINE Filed April s, 1920 7 sheets-sheet v )Nl/Elinks. 274.9795255 wa Patented Feb. 12, 1924,

narran armas rArsNTOFFlc-E.

l WINEEED ELMO EEAvIs, OE Los ANGELES, AND ELMEE E.r EEEY, OE LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOES 'ro oVERsEWING MACHINE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF CALIFORNIA.

Application led April 5,

To all 'whom t may conce-m.' n y Be it known that we, WINFRED ELMO REAvrs, of Los Angeles, California, and

ELMER E. FREY, of Long Beach, California,

have invented a certain new and usefulv 1,093,691 and May 21, 191s, No. 1,266,793,

and pertaining to the oversewing of the signatures in the making of a book.

One of the chief aims of the present `invention is to obviatc the troublesome, annoying vand continual breakage of punches and needles employed in the oversewing of paper. We have found that the punching elements have a tendency to be diverted from a true course and to be deflected into the thinner edge portions of the stock, resulting, if this deflection is great enough,

26 in the breakage of some of the punches, and in any event in producing'a penetration of the paper swerving from a straight line. The needles entering into the penetrated stock, and of necessity, following the per- 30 forations, are likewise deflected, and as a consequence, are bent or broken. Thus poor loop formation and defective sewing are noticeable, especially in'cases of hard, dense papers.

An object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a means, inconnection with a book sewing machine, in which the penetration of the stock shall occur in a perfectly straight line and in which the sewing shall be prac- 40 tically perfect. n

A further object of the invention; is to provide in connection kwith an oversewing machine, a clamping mechanism, by which the stock or signatures may be subjected to variable pressures during the various operations of the stitch-formingmechanism, to the end that the variable counter pressures of punches may be withstood by a pressure continuing during such operation andvarying after such operation.

These and other objects are accomplished by the preferred form of embodiment of the BOOK-SEWING MACHINE.

1920. Serial No. 371,474.

invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a rear view of the machine, with certain minor parts omitted.

Fig. 2, is a section, approximately on line 2 2, Fig. 3.

Fig. 3, is a front view ofthe machine.

Fig. L1 is a fragmentarysectional view of the pressure distributing means, shown in operative or elevatedv position, the section being taken on line 4 4, Fig. 16.

Fig. 5, is a fragmentary ysectional View of the pressure distributing means shown `in inoperative or normal position,.the section being taken on line 5-5, Fig. 16.rk

Fig. 6, is an end view of the complementary clamp table,`showing the pressure dis-y tributing means, the thread severing and clamping means; the main clamp table being shown in section. The yview also shows in perspective, a series of sewed signatures, with the threads severed.

- Fig. 7, is a planview showing the operating mechanism for thel lock thread needles,

kand also showing a means for catching and holding the lock threads.

' Fig. 8, is a front view of the sliding frame carry-ing the punches and the needles.

Fig 9, is a fragmentary section on line 9-9, Fig. 7, showing the lcross-'thread holding or retaining pins in. normal or'inoperative position, andthe normal position of the actuating means'therefor.

Figs. 10 .and 11, respectively, are fragmentary front and side views of the crossthreads holding pins `and the actuating means therefor, in the positions they yoccupy duringthe punching operation.

Fig. 12, is a fragmentary `front View, showing the cross-thread holding pins retaining the cross-,threads and the plunger for actuating thepins, the plunger beingin a yposition immediately preceding its operation of withdrawing the pinsfrom the crossthreads. .e y- Fig.- 13, isa fragmentary side view of `...Fig 12.

Fig. 14, 1s an enlarged fragmentary detail, ofthe bar carryingjthe dies or bushings. y

Fig. 1,5, is an enlarged fragmentary front 'view of same.

on line 32-32, Fig. 1.

preparatoryA to closing the same for severing the threads, as seen in Fig. 6. The open position of the complementary table is shown in dotted lines.

Fig. 17, is a fragmentary view of the complementary knife ,carried in the main "clamp table.

`F ig. 18, is a detailed front view of the ycomplete clampingand shifting mechanism for the signatures.

Fig'. 19, is a sectional view taken on line i9.19,Fig.18. Y,

,Figs 20 ,and"21, respectively are fragmentary sectional views showing a means of locking the main clamp head to the Side frames of4 the machine. y

Figs. 22, 23,24 and 25, are fragmentary sectional views, respectively showing the clamping and sewing mechanism during four stages of .'operation.

Fig. 26, is a plan view showing the crossthread-needlesand the cross threads retaining pins inoperative position.

Fig. 27, is asimilar view showing crossthread needles and the cross-threads retaining pins in withdrawn position, and the sewing threads tightened upon the lock or cross-threads. `r 'v n Fig. 28, is anenlarged front view, partly broken, showing the `mechanism for shifting the signatures to cause the stitches to be made out ofalinement. v

Fig. 29, is la fragmentary sectional detail kof theshifting mechanism shown in Fig. 28.

Fig. 30, is a section on line 30-30, Fig. 28, showinfr theoperating arrangement for the shifting mechanism.

'Fig-.'31 is a projected View of the cam track for actuating the shifting mechanism.

Fig. 32, is a sectional view approximately f' Fig. 33, is a series of perspective illustrations showing the steps followed in the sewing together of the first four signatures,

*Fig 34, is a series of end views showing the location of the stitches in the building up of a book.

Fig. 35, is a diagrammatic view illustrating the relative yarrangement of stitches as madeby this machine.

Figs. 36, 37, 38 and 39, are fragmentary sectional views, illustrating the relative positions of the local signature-supporting means.

'Fig 40, is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective view showing insert attached to "the yclamp'head for supporting the signatures, and also showing the lock thread supporting means, when short signatures are being sewed, and

Fig. 41,v is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view illustrating a means of spacing sewed books from signatures to be sewed, without severance of the threads.

The frame consists of two spaced uprights 1 and 2, conjoined by'tie rods 3 and 4, or in any other suitable manner, and also by 'a cross-member 5, on to which is bolted or otherwise secured, a bar 6, formed with a face 7," at an angle to the horizontal, and with a projecting ledge 8, under which the signatures are arranged to be placed and supported during the sewing process.

This bar 6, is provided with a plurality of dies 9, held in place, as by means of screws 10, and extending for a short distance beyond, and having the same angularity, to the horizontal as the face 7. Vertical perforations 11, in the bar 6, and eX- tending through and to the inclined face of the dies 9, serve as needle guides; and

perforations 12, extending at an angle to the horizontal, through the dies 9, and terminating above the needle guides 11, serve to guide and support a local signature-supporting and compression-equalizing means, hereinafter more specifically referred to. The spaced uprights 1 and 2, are each provided with channels 14 and 14', in which is reciprocable, by means presently set out,

a slide frame 15, composed of two spaced bars A. and B, conjoined by yolres 16 and 16', the bars respectively carrying a punch bar 17, and a needle bar 18.

In the bar 17, are adjustably fixed a `plurality of punches 19, which operate through a punch guide bar 20, yielding-ly associated with the punch bar 17, in any suitable manner, as by springs 21, xedly secured in the punch guide bar 20, and extending into the punch bar 17 holding the punch guide bar 20 under tension and spacingthe same. Additionally, guide pins 23 are Xedly mounted in the punch guide bar 20 and operate slidably through the punch bar 17 and through the bar 6. The needle bar 18, can" ries a plurality of adjustable needles 24. The reciprocation of the slide frame 15, is effected by cam wheels 25 and 25', secured onl the main driving shaft 26, the slide framey being provided with studs 27 and 27, eX- tendmg in the grooves of the 'cam wheels. Thecross-member 5, aforenained, carriesk a shaft 5, upon which are mounted bevel gears 28 and 29, meshing with complementary gears 30 and 31, respectively, mounted on spindles extending transversely through the cross-member and provided with pinions 32 and 33, respectively, in mesh with racks 34 and 35, respectively, to which are yoked.

yo r otherwise secured, horizontally disposed loclr'thread needles 36 and 37, respectively, which are periodically vmoved. forth and back to provide' the necessary lock threads for the stitches, by pinion '38, on the shaft 5 and in mesh with a rack 39, on Vone end of a rodv 40, the other end thereof being pivotally connected to a lever 41, pivotally mounted on a shaft 42, and carrying a fulcrum pin 43, disposed in the groove 44 of a cam 45, which is mounted on the main shaft 26, and whichrperiodieally reciprocatesthe said rack 39.` vLoop penetrating means, to hold the lock or cross-threads during the withdrawal of the cross-needles 36 and 37, may comprise a plurality of pins 46, mounted on a slide 47, having a beveled edge 48, and operable through the crossmember 5. This slide 47 Fig. 26, is provided with a stem 49, carrying a projection 50, against which the tension of a spring 51, is exerted to move the pins 46, into` operative position, as shown in Fig. 7, when 'thus required, the slide 47 being held inl normally inoperative position by a springpressed latch 52, pivotally supported Von a. bracket 53, on the cross-member 5, and having a tang 54, which is disposed in the path of travel of a beveled lug 55, on adisk 56, mounted on the shaft 5', for tripping "the latch 52, and causing the slide 47, to be projected by the spring 51, and the pins 46, to be thrust into the loops of the crossthreads. The'ejection of the pins 46, after the tightening of the loops upon the crossthreads, is yeffected by the beveled end of a plunger 57, secured in the punch bar 17 and arranged to engage the beveled edge of the slide V47, when Vmoved downwardly by the punch bar 17. Such engagement removes the pins 46, vvfrom the cross-threads and resets the slide 47. Pivotally mounted `upon each of the racks 34fand 35, is a roller 58 and 59, which traveling with the crossneedles 36 and 37, supplies a suitable lubricant to the ends of the punches 19. y' Eyelets 60 and 61 are preferably provided on the cross-member 5, for guiding the lock threads fromv the spools 62 and 63.

rlhe cam grooves of the cam wheels 25 and 25 aforementioned, perform the function of moving the slide frame 15, in vertiv cal strokes of varyingy and Vii'itermittent lengths, the periodicity of movement being governed and given by the cam grooves to effect the progression of steps required, to wit: the punching, the introduction of the needles into the punched material, the loop formation, and the needles withdrawal.

Referring to Figs. 22 23, 24 and 25, and especially to Fig. 25, and assuming Athat'the cams 25 and 25', and the parts to be actuated thereby are in normal position or in a position of rest, during which a new signature is inserted for sewing upon previously sewed sections, the revolution of the cams in the directionofthe arrow 'will draw down the frame 15, to theV position shown in'Flg.

22, yfor punching the signatures, the cam grooves, which actuate the slide frame for the punching movement gradually curving toward the axis thereof and e'ec-ting the lowest downward movement of the slide frame where the grooves are nearest the axis. The continued movement of the cam grooves, thereupon lifts the slide frame y15, by traverse of the studs 27 and 27, -in the cam groove areas'X, to the highest position, Fig. 23, carrying and introducing the needles 24 into the perfora-tions made by the punches 19. As the cam grooves continue in their circulatory movement, the cam areas Y thereof, draw down the slide frame for a limited extent and effect a partial withdrawal of the needles for a distance suiiicient to form loops 64, Fig. 24, the needles and slide frame being now held in stationary position by the cam groove areas Y. which as seen, are substantially concentric with the axis thereof. During such halt of the needles and slide frame, the horizontal lock thread needles 36 and 37, are operated and passed through the loops 64, as seen in Fig. 26, and then withdrawn. The continued rotation of the cam grooves thereupon effects a further downward movement ofthe slide frame, whereupon, after the withdrawal of the cross-thread needles, the loops 64 are tightened upon the cross-threads and t-he position of the punch and needle bars is substantially that shown in Fig. 25, in which position, the insertion of a new signature upon a previously sewed one takes place.

- Co-operating with the reciprocating slide frame 15, Fig. 2, is the principal tensioning means, comprising, as seen in Figs. 2 and 32, a plurality of arms 244, secured on the shaft 232. vThese arms 244, are connectedA by a red 245, under which the threads 238 run te the needles after passing through tension def vices 246. On the shaft 232 is secured a lever-247,v the end of which is provided with a roller 248, which bears against a cam 133, thatoperates the tensioning means for obvious purposes.

Suitable means for operating the tension devices 246, to relieve the frictional pressure thereof from the threads 238, when required.

Vmay be provided, and for purposes of this description, may comprise a plurality of rfingers 251, mounted on a rod 252, carried in suitable bearings and under tension longitudinally of a spring, 253. Pivotally connected to one end of said rod 252, is a bellcrank lever 254, suitably fulcrumed, and controllably connected to a rod 255, pivotally connected to pedal 256, onvr a stationary l shaft 257. Y

On the main stationary shaft 42, is mounted a main plate C, provided with lugs 64', 64, by which the main plate C is arranged to swing, for purposes hereinafter appear'- ing. This main plate C, is formed with a clamp head 65, with which a clamp table 66, co-operates in effecting the clamping of the signatures.

On the bottom of the main plate C, is formed a plurality of years 129, for pivoting a rod 230, connected at one end to a bellcrank 231, on a shaft 232. To the other end of the bell crank 231, is pivotally connected a link 233, which in turn is attached to a lever 233, integral with a sleeve 234, on a shaft 235. Upon the shaft 235, Figs. 2 and 32 is secured a plurality of arms 236, connectedA by a rod 237, over which the threads 238 are run from the tensioning means. The mechanism hereinabove detailed operates to relieve the tensionr of the threads when the main plate C isswung forward upon the shaft 42, for access to the needles for the purpose of threading or removing them.

Referring` to Figs. 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40, a

f suitable support maybe provided for the signatures, and this support may comprise a sheet of metal 128x, bent. upon itself at right angles, the portion 128s, thereof lying between the clamp table plate k68 and the main plate C, and provided with a plurality of openings 128", into which fit'the extend-y ed dies 9. The portion 128, of said sheet 128, extends under and is fastened securely to the clamp head 65. Such portion 128c is provided with a longitudinal slot 128'l for permitting the passage therethrough of the punches and needles. 4

The clamp table 66, is operablein guide ways 67, on the main plate C, and has attached thereto a plate 68, slidably disposed in guides 69, on the main plate Cy Figs. 18, 19 and 22 to 25, and arranged to beheld in clamped or stationary position, byfpressure plates 70 and 71, operable by a draw bolt 72. This draw bolt 72, as hereinafter explained, is under the control of an eccentric 73 and a lever 74. Suitable friction liners 7 0` -and 71 may be placed between the pressure plates 70 and 71, and the plate-68, of the clamp table to insure a firm and proper holo'. upon the clamp table during the clamping operation. Springs 70 may also be provided for disturbing the adherence of the liners 70 and 71 to the plate 68. when ythe pressure of the presser plates is relieved, and enabling the plate 68 to bemo'ved relatively to said lin-ers. f

A screw head 75. on the draw bolt 72,

serves to predetermine the pressure ofthe presser plates 70 and 71 upon the plate 68, of the clamp table 66. The presser plates 70 and 71, with the clamped plate 68 are movable relatively to the main plate C by a sleeve bell-crank 7 6, on the main stationary shaft 42, which bell-crank, extends through an aperture 77, in the main plate C, as does also the draw bolt 72. The sleeve bellwcranlr is loosely mounted upon the stationary shaft 42, and the lowervlimb 78, thereof, is provided with a roller or idler 79, that rides over the periphery of a cam 80, on the drive shaft 26. This cam 80, see Fig. 25, is formed with a depression 80, into which the idler 79, lits, when the punch and needle bars are normally in the position in said Figure 25, or in a state of rest, during which a new signature is supplied for sewing. The cam 80, being then revolved, throws the idler 79, out of the depression 80', causing thereby the clamp table 66, to clamp the signatures between it and the clamp head 65. For a distance equal substantially to the distance required for the punching of the signatures, the periphery of the cam 80, is eccentric, the eccentricity beginning at the apex of the depression 80 and continuing for a predetermined extent until theconcentric portion of the cam is reached, as shown in Figs. 22, 24, 25 and 32. During such movement of the `cam 80, the presser plates 70 and 71, move relatively to the clamp plate 68, of the clamp table 66, which is thereby subjected to a continuing active pressure during the punching operation, and such continuing pressure enables a proper and effective clamping of the signatures throughout, and compensates the counter pressure exerted by the aunches during ther punching operation.

erein the expression continuing active pressure is intended to mean a pressure that continues uniform during the punching operation, to offset or counterbalance the pressure of the punches, which are thereby enabled `to perforate the signatures without deflection and breakage of the punches. This effect is to be distinguished from the passive pressure of a common clamp, which, after once lbeing set, exerts only a passive pressure and could not counterbalance or offset the pressure of the punches, the tendency of which is to force away the signaturesl from one of the jaws of the clamp and thereby cause a deflection and breakage of the punches.

Local supportfor the signatures as and for the purpose herein set out, may be provided to effect the penetration of the stock in a straight and true line, and such support may comprise a plurality of series of tines 127, formed in a head 128, preferably integral with levers 129, pivotally connected to the ends of levers 130, integral with a sleeve 131, that is fulcrumed upon the shaft 232. 'Also integral with the sleeve 131, is a lever 130', pivotally connected to a link 243, which in turn. is pivotally connected to the end of a bar 240, operated intermediate its length by a cam 241, and having its other end fulcrumed in a hanger 242, on the main stationary shaft 42, and which cam 241 operates to project the tines 127 below or between the signatures or leaves, Figs. 35, 37,

9 38 and 39. The series of tines severally coinprise each two or a pair-.of tines for each punch, that is two tines each of the series are projected under the signatures or leaves prior to the punching of the stock, so that the punches will pass through the signatures and between the projected tines, which furnish the necessary substantial support during the punching operation.

It will be seen from the figures referred to that the supports or tines herein designated are introduced between the signatures or leaves and in planes parallel with the signatures and in the area of the exit of the punching means, which obviously may be operated from above, as shown herein, or from below, if desired, in which event the local support for the signature to resist the upward direction of the punches, will be furnished by the sheet metal portion 128.

Onto the main clamp table 66, is hingedly secured a table 66', complementary to table 66, and arranged to swing at right angles thereto, for purposes to appear hereinafter. This complementary table 66', is slotted longitudinally for accommodation of a means for exerting pressure upon the signatures on a line parallelling and ahead of the backs thereof concurrently with the main pressure upon the signature backs, with the essential end in view of pressure distribution for maintaining in perfect alinement the signature backs and preventing their undesirable and troublesome bowing and arching during the sewing, it being evident that the backs of the books build most rapidly during the sewing operation. The means for this purpose may comprise generally any arrangement that will contribute this pressure in or over the necessary area and may comprise 4a combination of elements, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, and specifically a sliding member 81, disposedv and operable in the slot of said table 66, and normally extended beyond one end of `rsaid table, and in line with an operating mechanism therefor, presently described.y Upon this sliding member 81, is mounted a plurality of blocks 82, preferably wedgeshape and corrugated on the inclined surfaces thereof and arranged to co-act with similarly shaped blocks 83, attached to the underside of the bar 84, disposed in an opening 85, in said table 66', and movable vertically relatively to the surface thereof by the wedge shape blocks 82 on the sliding member 81. The blocks 82 and 88 are corrugated, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, to cause an interlocking of same when under pressure, otherwise they would slip back to their normal positions, shown in Fig. 5,- when pressure was applied to the bar 84. "The actuation of the sliding member 81, is accomplished by the engagement of the cxtended end of the sliding member 81, with a wedge abutment 86, formed integral with the main plate C, during the descent or fall of the clamp table 66, cagised b-y the increasing thickness. of the book.l The return to normal position of the sliding member 8l,

addition the function of grasping or holding y the upper ends of the severed threads. Se-

cured in the edge of the complementary table66', is a knife 88, of sufficient length to sever all the threads. Flexibly or resiliently secured in the clamp table 66 is a complementary knife 89, co-operating with the knife 88 to produce a shearing action. This complementary-lmife is disposed below the surface of 4the table 66, and rearwardlj7 of the front edge, and is held in close engagement with the underside of the table by a plurality of springs 90, Fig. 6. One end of said complementary knife 89, is curved or bent downwardly, Fig. 17, to permit of ready entrance of the knife 88, between the table and complementary knife 89. The disposition of the complementary knife rearwardly of the front edge of the table is for the purpose of causing the knife 88 to carry or push and clamp the various threads under the table prior to their severance and preparatory to sewing vanother book.

On the lower end of the slide or plate 68, is fastened a bracket 97, to which are attached chains 98 and 98', ruiming over idlers 99 and 99', on the main stationary shaft Ll2, and over the end of a journal 100, of the idler 79, F ig. 22.

The ends of the chains 98 and 98' are connected to a weight. 101, which operates, first, to move or elevate the clamp table 66 to normal position, when the presser plates pressure is relieved, and second, to hold the idler 79 in contactwith the face of the cam 80.

Referring to Figs. 34 and 35, it will be seen that the series 'of stitches are made v out of alinement with each other or staggered, the aim being to avoid penetration or entrance of the needles in previously made thread carrying 'perforations nism for effecting this arrangement of the stitches is shown in detail in Figs. 28, 29

llO

The mechaf and 30, and dii'ers frommechanism heretofore employed in shifting the signatures relatively to the clamp table after each sewing operation instead of moving the entire clamp table and complementary parts thereof. It differs further in that the active force .tor the shifting mechanismis stored during the punching andv sewing operation, while the signatures are clamped, and the expenditure of such force resisted by the signatures, when the book guide movement is toward the book, until the ola-mp is released; and this will appear more clearly from the following. The ends of the clamp head 65,

are turned to form substantially shaftsL 65 and upon one of said ends is mounted for revolution a sleeve 102, that is 'securely fastened to a cylinder 103, provided with a cam groove 104, divided into four offsets a, b, c, and d, Fig. 31; the oii'sets b and Z being approximately oneL and a half times longer than 'the osets and c, whereby the third stitch and the ifth or initial stitch of the following series will be made at a point removed approximately one and half times the distance between the first and second stitches. The fourth stitch will then occur at apoint between the third and near the second stitch, as shown in F ig. 35. Onto the end of the cylinder 103, is fastened a four step ratchet wheel 104', with which a spring pressed pawl 105 cooperates. This i so pawl 105 is pivotally secured to a strap 106 surrounding the barrel or cylinder 103, and `to the strap 106, is pivotally connected a link 107, which in turn is pivotallyjoined at its lower yend to a rod 108, pi'votally secured to one of the yokes 16, Fig. 3.

Vhen the yoke 16 is moved downwardly with the frame 15, in the manner and for the purpose described, the pawl 105 on the strap 106, is carried behind one of the ratchet teeth of the wheel 104. The axial movement of the cam cylinder 103, likely to result from the rictional engagement of the pawl with the ratchet wheel 104, is prevented by a ball 109, arranged to seat seriatim in pockets 110, formed on the inside of the sleeve 102. This ball is under tension of a spring 111, disposed in a recess 112, in the shaft of the clamp 65. When the yoke 16 is moved upwardly, the pawl 105 revolves the cam cylinder for a distance equal to one of the oii'sets, and in so doing, effects the movement of the signatures under the `following conditions and by the following arrangement, shown in detail in Fig. 2S.

On the clamp head 65 is iixed, by any suitable means, as a bracket 113, a housing 114, provided with a slot 115. In this housing 114, is contained a slide 116, provided with a pin 117, which projects through said slot 115 and into the cam groove 104, of the cylinder 103. The slide is formed with a cavity 118, in` which vis operatively disposed the head 119,01? a rod 120, which extends through `a bore in the said slide 116, and around which is coiled a spring 121, located between the end of said slide and a collar 122, formed on said rod 120. On said rod is a shifting means 123, which for purposes of this description, may comprise a member 124, adjustable on said rod 120, and held in position of adjustment by a set screw 125, Fig. 28. Extended vertically through said member' 124, and in close proximity to the surface of the clamp table 66, is a push rod 126, againstwhich the signatures are placed. The otherl end of the rod 120 is supported in a bearing 127, and is also under the tension of an auxiliary spring 128e coiled thereabout, and bearing against the collar 129, thereon, for assisting the spring 121, in moving the signatures.

When the machine is set in operation, the signatures are irst clamped; then the saine are' punched by the downward movement of the punch bar 17, and during such downward movement, which includes the movement of the yoke 16, the pawl 105 is drawn behind one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 104. During the upward movement of the needle bar 18, for carrying the threads through the perforations made by the punches, the pawl 105, moves the cam cylinder 103, a quarter of a revolution, thereby causing the slide 116, to be moved one step by the cam groove 104 and in so doing, pulls the rod 120, the collar 122 of which compresses the spring 121 on the rod 120. This occurs, as will be seen when the cam groove 104 carries or moves to the right through two of its steps. The slide 116, pulling on the head 119 of t-he rod 120', draws the latter and the shifting means and the push rod 126 away from the book signatures. The operator pushes the signatures to the right against the push rod 126. But, when the cam groove 104 carries or moves to the left through the remaining two steps, the slide 116 pressesv against the spring 121, and because at that moment the book clamp is closed and the push rod 126 is against the clamped signatures, the rod 121 remains stationary and the slide moves to the left and compresses the spring 121. When then the book clamp is opened, the spring 121, pressing on the collar 122 and assisted by the spring 128e, which is compressed against the collar 1291, pushes the rod 120 with the shifting means 123 and the push rod 126 mounted thereon, to the left and moves the signatures the vdistance of one step of the cam groove 104. The shifting means herein described moves the signatures to the left only. It determines the positions of the signatures by the m'anual movement to the right, but the operator must move the signatures against the push rod. In this manner and by the series of rectilinear movements performed automatically and manually, with delinite intervals` of rest, staggered sewing is produced, as shown in Figs. 34 and 35.

Referring to Fig. 40, a me'ans is employed to suppo-rt the cross or lock threads, when the needles used occupy a distance less than that substantially traversed by the cross thread carrying needles, and prevent the dropping down, snarling and accidental cutting of such cross threads. This means may comprise lips 154, 'adjustably attached to the clamp head'65, andadapted to be set v at various points upon the clamp head, in

accordance with the width of the books to be sewed. A

In F ig. 4l we have disclosed a method for the continuous sewing of books, that is for making unnecessary the removal of a book completely oversewedand preventing the sewing together of two or more books, the object in view being to provide for continuous sewing without interruption, it desired.

The `means for accomplishing this purpose, may comprise spacers orplates of any suitable material '150, which are disposed vbetween the oversewed books, in the manner shown in Fig. 41, and which are provided with vertical kerfs 151, through which the punches and needles may travel during the sewing of the initial signatures of 'another book above one already sewed, and from which the stitching are not severed.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 18, 19, 20 and 21, a locking arrangement is shown for holding the main plate C in secure position during the sewing operation. This arrangement comprises preferably knobs 260 rotatably mounted upon the shafts 65', which, as stated, are kturned on the clamp head 65. Integral with said knobs 260, are latch arms 261, formed with intermediate notches 262, and with hooked ends 263, which ends are arranged for engagement with a rod 2647 journaled in the side frames 1 and 2, for the purpose of limiting the outward swing of the plate C. This rod 264 is formed with flattened ends 265 over which fit the notches 262, in the arms 261, for the purpose of locking home the main plate C by the following means:

Upon the tie rod 3, is ulcrumed a hand lever 266, to one end of which is pivotally joined a link 267, pivotally connectingwith an arm 268, iXedly mounted upon the rod 264, which is oscillated by the hand lever 266, whereby the flattened ends of the rod 264, are ch'angedl from the vertical position shown in Fig. 20, tothe horizontal position shown` in Fig. 21, in (which position the arms 261, are rigidly locked and they main plate is drawn into position and firmly held.

What we claim, is

1. In a book sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism for r signatures, of means for clamping the signatures, and means comprising a'push member movable in opposite direction in stages for moving the signatures automatically in one direction, and permitting movement of the signatures in the opposite direction.

2. In a book sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, of means for clamping the signatures, means to operate said clamping means to impart to said signatures a variable pressure, and means comprising a push member movable in two stages in opposite directions :tor moving the signatures automatically in one direction and permitkting the movement of the signatures in the opposite direction.

3. VIn a book sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming and punching mechanism, of clamping means for the signatures, and means for causing the clamping means to exert a continuing activepressure upon the signatures, during the punching operation.

4. In a book sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming and punching mechanism, of automatic clamping means f for the signatures, and means for causing said clamping means to exert a variable pressure upon said signatures during the punching operation.

5. In a book sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism, or a clamping` means for the signatures, and

means to cause said clamping means to exert z variable pressures successively upon said signatures, during the punching operation.

6. In a book sewing machine, the combination with apstitch forming mechanism'for signatures, of a clamp table supporting the signatures, a clamp head co-operating with said clamp table, means to hold the clamp table in position, and means to operate said holding means to cause said clamp table to exert varying pressures upon the signa:-

tures during the punching operation.

7. In a book sewing' machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, of a clamp table supporting 'the signatures, a clamp head co-operating with said clamp table, means to hold said clamp f table in position, and means to operate said holding means at one time to exert a continuing active pressure upon the signatures during one step of the stitching operation, and at another time to exert a varying pressure upon the signatures during another4 step of the stitching operation.

8. In a book sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism for cluding a punching means tor signatures, of

means in advance ef the punching means to support the signatures locally during the punching thereof.

10. In a book sewing machine, the combination vwith a stitch forming mechanism including a punchingmeans for signatures, of means actuable in the plane ofl the signatures at or near the point of eXit of said punching means for supporting the signatures during the punching thereof.

11. In a bool: sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism including a punching means for signatures, of means actuable in a plane transverse to the point of exit `oit the punching means and parallel to the signatures to support the signatures duringthe punching thereof.

12. In a bool; sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism ini cludinga punching means for signatures, `of

means actuable in the region of penetration oit the punching means to support the signatures during the punching thereof.

13. In a bool; sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism including` a punching means for signatures, of means to operate said stitch forming mechanism, means to support the signatures in the region of penetration of the punching means, and means to move said supporting means to operative and inoperative positions respectively.

111. In a book sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism including` a punching means for signatures, of means actuable in advance ofthe punching means to support thek signatures count-er to the punching means.

15. In a bool: sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism including a punching means for signatures, of signature supporting means actuable in the region ot penetration of the punching means` 16. In a bool; sewing machine, the combination with a stitch forming mechanism including a. punching means `tor signatures anda punch carrying bar, of means operable inwardly 'from opposite sides of4 the signatures to provide lock threads for the stitches and means to hold said' lock threads during the recession of the lock thread providing means comprising a slide, a plurality of pinson said slide Lfor penetrating the loops of said cross threads, a latch for holding said slide and pins normally inoperative, means for trip-ping said latch to project said pins into the cross thread loops,

`and means on the punch bar for withdrawthe face of said bar,` said dies formed with i vertical perforations serving yas needle and punchguides, and with channels extending atan angle to the horizontal, means to hold said dies' in place, and means operable through the channels of said dies to provide local support for and during the punching of said signatures. v f i 18. In a book sewing machine, a punching means and a stitch-forming mechanism for signatures, means to operate the punching means and stitch forming mechanism, means to supply lock threads for the stitches, and means carried by said lock thread supplying means Ato lubricate the punching means.

19. In a book sewing machine, a stitch forming mechanism,imeans to operate said stitch forming mechanism, a clamping means 'for the signatures'comprising a main table, a supplemental table movable relatively to said main table, and meanson said tables co-operating to sever the threads and tohold the thread ends prior to the initial sewing of a succeeding signature of another book.

20. In a book sewing machine, a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, a' clamping'means for signatures, pressure distrib-l uting means associated with said clamping means, and means to operate said means, independently of said clamping mea-ns.v

21. In ak book sewing machine, a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, a clamping means for signatures, means associated with and movable relatively to theclamping means to effect a pressure upon the signatures concurrentlyv with the clamping means, and means to operate said means.

22. In a book sewing machine, a stitch4 forming mechanism'or signatures, a clamping means for the signatures, and means actuable relatively to said clamping means Y to hold in alinement the bach edges oi' the signatures to be sewed.

23. In a book sewing machine, a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, a clamping means for the signatures, and pressure distributing means for the signatures associated with and operable relatively to the clamping means.

241. In a book sewing machine, a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, means for exerting pressure upon the signatures,

insam independent means `for exerting pressure upon a definite area of said signatures, and means to control said means. Y

25. in abook sewing machine, a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, means for exerting pressure upon one area of said signatures, means for simultaneously exerting pressure upon another area of said signatures, and mea-ns controllable by said first named means for operating said last Vnamed means.

26. Ina book sewing machine, a stltchv :forming mechanism including a punching mechanism for signatures, clamping means for the signatures, and means for separating sewed books from signatures to be sewed without severance oi the threads to prevent sewing together of two or more books, comprising spacers arranged to be disposed between the sewed signatures and the signatures to be sewed, Said spacers formed with vertical kerfs through which the needles and punches may pass.

27. In a book sewingmachine, a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, a clamping means for the signatures, means to cause the clamping means to exert variable pressures upon said signatures, pressure means actuable with said clamping meansl to compensate for variations in thickness of the superimposed signatures, and Vmeans to supply lock 'threads from each end of the signatures.

28. ln a book sewing machine, a stitch forming mechanism for signatures, aciampu ing means ltor the signatures, means to cause said clamping means to exert variable pressures upon said signatures, means associated with said clamping means to keep in alinement the back edges of the signatures, means to provide lock threads for the stitches, means to move the signatures relativelyV to the clamping means and stitch forming mechanism to cause theA stitches to be made out of alinement with each other, and means to operate all of said means.

In testimony whereof we have set our hands.

w. Vanno Rei-wis. nLMEn n. naar. 

